Courtney Brown goes No. 1 in NFL Draft; Redskins, Jets score big time in draft lacking high drama.(Sun-Sentinel, South Florida)

FORT LAUDERDALE _ After a miserable 2-14 inaugural season in which they gave up 170 rushing yards a game, the Cleveland Browns on Saturday selected all-everything defensive end Courtney Brown of Penn State as the No. 1 pick in the draft.

A few minutes later, the Washington Redskins made Brown's college teammate, linebacker LaVar Arrington, the No. 2 selection _ the first time players from the same school have gone one-two in the draft since 1984, when wide receiver Irving Fryar and tackle Dean Steinkuhler came out of Nebraska.

``I know the fans are very excited and enthusiastic,'' Brown said. ``I visited the city a couple of times. It's a great place and I think I can fit in very well there.''

One reason he was taken over Arrington was his cooperation in completing a contract before the draft began.

``I just wanted to get that all out of the way so I could get ready to go play some football,'' he said.

He kept the contract secret from his parents so he could surprise them when he was announced as the No. 1 pick. There were generally believed to be a half-dozen blue chippers in this draft, and they were off the board with the first seven picks with only running back Jamal Lewis of Tennessee, taken No. 5 by Baltimore, a surprise.

The Redskins, with the No. 3 pick as well, grabbed tackle Chris Samuels of Alabama. Cincinnati made Florida State receiver Peter Warrick No. 4, possibly laying the groundwork for a trade of disgruntled Carl Pickens. Philadelphia captured defensive tackle Corey Simon of Florida State at No. 6 and Arizona snapped up running back Thomas Jones of Virginia at No. 7.